ANZAC Day 2014

[Grae]

[QUOTE=Manxstralian;1232022]"Despite federation being proclaimed in Australia in 1901, it is argued that the "national identity" of Australia was largely forged during the violent conflict of World War I,

This is another example of why people should not rely on Wikipedia as a definitive authoritative source. Australian national identity was forged well before the Imperial powers of Europe foolishly and to their shame wastefully sacrificed their people in an unnecessary imperial war .

Australian national identity in the 1901 -1914 included legislation for her people of " the living wage " , and universal suffrage for all Australians including women Cf. that with Britain, to name two.

It is a shame that our real and progressive history of our nation is not more widely taught.

[BCAC]

Sorry for the delay folks but just got my camera back after leaving it somewhere. As requested here are a couple of pics of how I turned out for for my Anzac Day duties.
I think the Australian tartan comes up pretty well and felt very honoured to be asked to participate during the ceromony. Cheers

And yes, I was armed with a 303, whilst part of the catafalque party

Smart turn out, Mike. Thanks for sharing.

[Aussie_Don]

Apropos of Kemal Ataturk's tribute -- a local songwriter has set it to music --
It's on my "to learn" list, but I'll need to practice it a lot before I'll be able to
get through it without having my throat close up.

Kemal Ataturk's Tribute to the ANZACs by Bruce Watson

Bruce said that he first heard the words at a high school ANZAC Day observance
here in Melbourne being read by a young woman of Turkish ancestry, first in Turkish
and then in English. His comment was that the tune simply flowed out of his head
as he considered the words.

-Don

[Manxstralian]

[QUOTE=Grae;1232308]

"Despite federation being proclaimed in Australia in 1901, it is argued that the "national identity" of Australia was largely forged during the violent conflict of World War I,

This is another example of why people should not rely on Wikipedia as a definitive authoritative source.

That's a fairly broad assumption, and a fairly insulting one. My sources would also be my studies of history, my discussions on the nature of the Australian identity with people who have been around far longer than I, and also living here for forty years.

Surely, the Eight-Hour Day (which was established before we were a nation) , and universal suffrage (which was law in SA and WA prior to Federation) were important, but the horrifying realities of the first World War, and the skill and bravery of our troops established us as an independent nation in the eyes of the rest of the world, and ourselves.

Cheers,

Cameron

[corbmonster]

While I can't speak anything on Australian history, I am sad to see someone would say history teaches us nothing. That has to be one of the most ignorant things I've ever heard (or seen in text). Ever. In my 34 years on this plant. </rant>

You are looking very sharp there Downunder Kilt. When I was in the US Navy, I was lucky enough to have been in Perth / Fremantle on ANZAC day. Best time of my life! Love you guys! Fair winds and following seas.

[Grizzled Ian]

. . . I am sad to see someone would say history teaches us nothing. That has to be one of the most ignorant things I've ever heard (or seen in text). Ever. In my 34 years on this plant.

I think you may be referring either to post 5 to this thread, or my comment to it at post 7. Might I suggest that you read both posts again carefully. It is true, of course, that you and I, and millions like us, learn from our mistakes, but the minuscule decisions we make, decisions that reflect the proper regard that you and I give to history, will not be recorded by history. However, what I think Hegel means in his paradoxical statement is that when we study momentous events and major turning points throughout history, we are struck by the frequency with which people making decisions at that grand level seem to demonstrate by their very actions to be unaware of the lessons of history.
I hope this helps.

[corbmonster]

More of a reference to post 2 & 5, both by Grouse Claw. More of a reference to post 2. I don't think there is a way that one can legitimize ignoring history and not memorializing people that served a greater calling than themselves.